Are you on board with the look? Every time I see it, I ask myself whether I like it or not. It's interesting and a little bit edgy, and borderline distracting too. What's your take?

I was accustomed to noting the look in every other Domino issue that came out, but since the tragic demise of that favorite publication, I felt like it's seen less frequently...until now. Quite a few recent publications, including the May issue of Elle Decor showcasing Michael Smith's Manhattan apartment (picture 4), contain homes displaying the look.

The first application that I loved without hesitation was in Grace and Brian's home (picture 1). Unlike many other examples, the painting and the bookcase almost read as one. The soft gray blue that Grace painted the IKEA shelf are picked up on in the painting, and the the portrait sets the tone for the entire vignette rather than being another accessory in it. I also like the idea of using art as a door alternative for blocking unsightly storage on open shelving (picture 2) as long as those unsightly storage items are not needed on a regular basis.

However, there are obvious drawbacks to the look too: the fact that it makes accessing certain objects behind it an ordeal rather than a simple gesture, and the visual impact that we know so many people must find distracting.